What is a SORN, and when do I need one?

When you must make a SORN

Your vehicle is off the road if you do not keep or use it on a public road, for example because it is in a garage, on a drive or on private land. You must make a SORN if:

• the vehicle is not taxed;
• it is not insured, even for a short time such as a delay renewing the policy;
• you want to break it down for parts before scrapping it;
• you buy or receive a vehicle and want to keep it off the road, because a SORN cannot be transferred from the previous keeper.

Without a SORN you must tax and insure the vehicle, and you are automatically fined £80 if you have not made one.

How to make one

You can apply online, by phone or by post. Online, you need either the 11-digit number on the V5C log book or the 16-digit reference on your vehicle tax reminder.

When it starts, and what you get back

A SORN starts immediately if your tax has expired or you are not applying in the month your tax is due to expire. If you apply in the month the tax is due to expire, it starts on the first day of the next month. You cannot backdate it.

You are refunded automatically for any full months of tax remaining.

Driving a vehicle with a SORN

You may drive a SORN vehicle on a public road to go to or from a pre-booked MOT or other testing appointment, and for no other reason, and it must be insured for that journey: driving on a road without at least third party insurance is illegal. Using it on the road for anything else can mean court prosecution and a fine of up to £2,500.

When it ends

A SORN is cancelled automatically when you tax the vehicle again or sell, permanently export or scrap it, and you do not need to renew it. The vehicle must stay in the UK for the SORN to be valid.